"Appointment System"

I have been a patient at this surgery for 2 years and can honestly say that the appointment system is not fit for purpose, no matter what time of day I call I can never get through and told all receptionists are busy!!

And sometimes get asked to hang up as all receptionists are dealing with medical emergencies - Really?

Today I have called the surgery twice to try and make an appointment, first I was told to call back at 2pm which I did.

When I finally got through the receptionist told me I cannot make an appointment until I have visited a pharmacist, bearing in mind I have had my symptoms for 5 days and have been taking over the counter medicines during this time, my symptoms have worsened and now suspect I have a chest infection and probably need antibiotics so it seems I have little option but wait a few more days for my infection to get worse and then have to visit a walk in centre to be treated.

Also, on another occasion I received a text message asking me to ring the surgery to make an appointment to discuss the results of my scan, then to be told we have no appointments so I don't know why you received that text so I am still none the wiser to my results and follow up procedure if any?

I have also been offered out of hours appointments which are based in Waltham Abbey which is not really round the corner and relying on public transport to get there is virtually impossible from North Weald to Waltham Abbey?

This place needs a shake up and I will do all I can to find another doctors surgery that at least can offer you an appointment even if it is 2 or 3 weeks in advance for non-urgent matters.